It was moved by Councillor Robertson, seconded by Councillor Dodd:
“That theCouncil welcomes the publication of the Draft Liverpool City Region Long Term Rail Strategy but is concerned that the Southport - Wigan - Manchester line, which supports commuter travel for Sefton residents living in the north of the Borough, who work in Manchester and the tourist trade/economy in Formby/Southport/North Sefton, is omitted from the report.
The Council calls upon the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to include this line, and the development and promotion of it, in the final draft of the strategy.
All options to upgrade this line need to be fully considered within the strategy and should include:
· Renewal of outdated/inappropriate rolling stock
· Increased passenger/train capacity
· A potential new park and ride station at Kew
· Electrification
· Adoption of Meols Cop Station by Merseytravel
· Connectivity with the Ormskirk - Preston line
The benefits that could flow from including this line within the final City Region Long Term Rail Strategy will support the north of the Borough and help sustain Sefton's tourist economy. It will also ensure that the north of the Liverpool City Region is well connected to West Lancashire, Preston and Manchester City Region by rail.”
An Amendment was moved by Councillor Friel, seconded by Councillor Kermode that the Motion be amended by the insertion of the following text after the second paragraph of the Motion:
“Equally the Council congratulates the Leader of this Council, Councillor Peter Dowd, for raising this issue at the meeting of the Combined Authority on 13 June 2014 and gaining assurances from Merseytravel representatives there, that the Southport - Wigan - Manchester line would be positively included in the final version of the Liverpool City Region Long Term Rail Strategy.”
The amendment was accepted by Councillor Robertson and on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that the amended Motion was carried unanimously and it was
RESOLVED:
That theCouncil welcomes the publication of the Draft Liverpool City Region Long Term Rail Strategy but is concerned that the Southport - Wigan - Manchester line, which supports commuter travel for Sefton residents living in the north of the Borough, who work in Manchester and the tourist trade/economy in Formby/Southport/North Sefton, is omitted from the report.
The Council calls upon the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to include this line, and the development and promotion of it, in the final draft of the strategy.
Equally the Council congratulates the Leader of this Council, Councillor Peter Dowd, for raising this issue at the meeting of the Combined Authority on 13 June 2014 and gaining assurances from Merseytravel representatives there, that the Southport - Wigan - Manchester line would be positively included in the final version of the Liverpool City Region Long Term Rail Strategy.
All options to upgrade this line need to be fully considered within the strategy and should include:
· Renewal of outdated/inappropriate rolling stock
· Increased passenger/train capacity
· A potential new park and ride station at Kew
· Electrification
· Adoption of Meols Cop Station by Merseytravel
· Connectivity with the Ormskirk - Preston line
The benefits that could flow from including this line within the final City Region Long Term Rail Strategy will support the north of the Borough and help sustain Sefton's tourist economy. It will also ensure that the north of the Liverpool City Region is well connected to West Lancashire, Preston and Manchester City Region by rail.